Martina Navratilova, the legendary tennis player, has declared Poland’s Iga Swiatek the “overwhelming favorite” to win the 2018 French Open.

Swiatek, now 20, became the first Polish player to win the clay-court championship at Roland Garros in 2020.

Furthermore, the youngster has been on a tear recently, winning five tournaments in a row since February.

The Warsaw native has won the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, Stuttgart Open, and Italian Open, among others.

Navratilova, who has won 18 Grand Slams, praised Swiatek for his ability to handle pressure gracefully.

Unbeatable Swiatek

“You can’t be much sexier right now than she is. She’s playing well and is in good health, which is an excellent combo,” Navratilova was cited as remarking to the WTA.

“She’s fresh and battle-tough at the same time.”

“She appears to be invincible on every surface, especially clay right now. So, unlike last year, we have an overwhelming favorite heading into the French.”

“Clearly, she is unconcerned about the pressure. She’s just accepting it. It’s wonderful to see when you’re the favorite and keep winning,” she remarked.

Sam Stosur, an Australian tennis player, praised Swiatek’s ability to absorb pressure and enhance her game in stressful situations.

Stosur, who won the US Open at Flushing Meadows in 2011, said Swiatek is brimming with confidence after winning a string of tournaments.

“Winning back-to-back titles makes you feel amazing, and your confidence builds. Whatever is going on, you’re going to walk out onto that court and believe you’re going to win every single match.”

“And I believe that (feeling) is just going to get stronger,” Stosur remarked.